Mr. Bert Johnson

        John Bertil Johnson, known as Bert, was born on May 3, 1922 to John and Nanny Johnson who were Swedish immigrants.  John was the first to arrive in America, and Nanny joined him 7 years later.  We as family try to imagine their experiences and thoughts as they made their journey to their final destination in Portland, Oregon.  Two boys were born to John and Nanny, the first being Bert and the second was his brother Lloyd.
        Bert attended Marysville Elementary, graduated from Franklin High School in 1939, joined the Air Force in 1942 and served as a Sergeant in the South Pacific for 3 years.  He was discharged December 27, 1945 amidst Christmas festivities, and eager to see family.  He was especially eager to see his home-town girl friend, Maydora Westerlund....a slender, attractive, auburn haired beauty who in turn could hardly wait to welcome her young, handsome military man and best friend.  Bert often spoke of his experiences in the hot, humid Philippines and was proud of the fact that he could serve his country.
        Then on March 16, 1946 wedding bells tolled as Bert married Maydora, his High School sweetheart.  Wedding dresses in those days were not plentiful.  One had to check with the department store when a shipment world arrive.  And, this of course meant saving up funds to make the $25.00 purchase.
        Soon after, Bert joined his father who had initially established his own business, the John Johnson super Boot company and together the produced custom made-to measure logger and lineman boots.  Even though a small business, orders were shipped to Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.  As young children, we call the place where daddy worked...."The Shop."  It was attached to grandma and grandpa's house where we had easy access to come and visit.  On Saturday afternoon, ice cream and cookies were offered to us by grandma Nan....dad and grandpa John joined us too.  Those were good times!
        Spending time in church was important to Bert.  He was a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the church choir, and also sang low bass in a men's quartet.  His faith in an almighty God was strong and meaningful.  He conveyed this faith not only to his family but to others as well.
        As the years went by, health became more of an issue for Bert.  To the family signs of dementia were not obvious at first.  But over time it became more apparent.  Speech became nonexistent and instead he displayed a smile, a nod or a wave of his hand to say goodbye.  This became his way of communication.  Even in this restricted manner, he remained a gentleman and a loving father.
        At 88 years of age Bert was surrounded by family when he peacefully left this world and was ushered into his heavenly home on November 26, 2010.  He was preceded in death by his brother Lloyd, survived by his wife Maydora, four daughters: Lois (married to Roger), Judy (married to Klaus), Debra married to Philip, and Debbie (married to George) who joined the family in 1968, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grand children.  He will continue to hold a special place in our hearts.  His legacy will live on as we remember his gentle spirit and his love for an awesome God.

Written by Lois Johnson on behalf of the family.

        Miss Maydora, daughter of Flavia and Ninnian Westerlund and Mr. Bert, son of  John and Nanny Johnson were married at Temple Baptist Church on Saturday March 16, 1946.
  
        Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith.  Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made you good confession in the presence of many witnesses.                  1Timothy 6:11b-12